GIGA-BYTE TECHNOLOGY GA-Z97X-Gaming GT User manual

GA-Z97X-Gaming GT
User's Manual
Rev. 1002
12ME-Z97XGGT-1002R

Motherboard
GA-Z97X-Gaming GT
Apr. 25, 2014
Apr. 25, 2014
Motherboard GA-Z97X-Gaming GT

Copyright
©2014 GIGA-BYTE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. All rights reserved.
The trademarks mentioned in this manual are legally registered to their respective owners.
Disclaimer
Information in this manual is protected by copyright laws and is the property of GIGABYTE.

without prior notice.
No part of this manual may be reproduced, copied, translated, transmitted, or published in any
form or by any means without GIGABYTE's prior written permission.

In order to assist in the use of this product, GIGABYTE provides the following types of
documentations:
For quick set-up of the product, read the Quick Installation Guide included with the product.
For detailed product information, carefully read the User's Manual.
For product-related information, check on our website at: http://www.gigabyte.com
Identifying Your Motherboard Revision
The revision number on your motherboard looks like this: "REV: X.X." For example, "REV: 1.0"
means the revision of the motherboard is 1.0. Check your motherboard revision before updating
motherboard BIOS, drivers, or when looking for technical information.
Example:

- 4 -
Table of Contents
Box Contents...................................................................................................................6
Optional Items .................................................................................................................6
GA-Z97X-Gaming GT Motherboard Layout.....................................................................7
GA-Z97X-Gaming GT Motherboard Block Diagram........................................................8
Chapter 1 Hardware Installation .....................................................................................9
1-1 Installation Precautions.................................................................................... 9
 .................................................................................... 10
1-3 Installing the CPU and CPU Cooler ............................................................... 13
1-3-1 Installing the CPU...................................................................................................13
1-3-2 Installing the CPU Cooler .......................................................................................15
1-4 Installing the Memory..................................................................................... 16
  .....................................................................16
1-4-2 Installing a Memory ................................................................................................17
1-5 Installing an Expansion Card ......................................................................... 18
1-6 Setting up AMD CrossFire™/NVIDIA®SLI™ .............................. 19
1-7 Back Panel Connectors.................................................................................. 20
1-8 Onboard Buttons, Switches, and LEDs.......................................................... 22
  ............................................................... 24
1-10 Internal Connectors........................................................................................ 25
Chapter 2 BIOS Setup ..................................................................................................35
2-1 Startup Screen ............................................................................................... 36
2-2 The Main Menu .............................................................................................. 37
2-3 M.I.T. .............................................................................................................. 40
2-4 System Information ........................................................................................ 52
2-5 BIOS Features ............................................................................................... 53
2-6 Peripherals..................................................................................................... 57
2-7 Power Management....................................................................................... 61
2-8 Save & Exit..................................................................................................... 63
 ...................................................................65
 ®Z97 SATA Controllers ........................................................ 65
 ®88SE9172 SATA Controller........................................... 77
3-3 Installing the SATA RAID/AHCI Driver and Operating System....................... 82

- 5 -
Chapter 4 Drivers Installation........................................................................................89
4-1 Chipset Drivers............................................................................................... 89
4-2 Application Software ...................................................................................... 90
4-3 Information ..................................................................................................... 90
Chapter 5 Unique Features...........................................................................................91
5-1 BIOS Update Utilities ..................................................................................... 91
5-1-1 Updating the BIOS with the Q-Flash Utility.............................................................91
5-1-2 Updating the BIOS with the @BIOS Utility .............................................................94
5-2 APP Center .................................................................................................... 95
5-2-1 EasyTune................................................................................................................96
5-2-2 System Information Viewer.....................................................................................97
5-2-3 EZ Setup.................................................................................................................98
5-2-4 Fast Boot ..............................................................................................................103
5-2-5 Smart TimeLock....................................................................................................104
5-2-6 Smart Recovery 2.................................................................................................105
5-2-7 USB Blocker .........................................................................................................107
5-2-8 Smart Switch ........................................................................................................108
5-2-9 Game Controller ...................................................................................................109
Chapter 6 Appendix .................................................................................................... 111
6-1 Qualcomm®Atheros Killer Network Manager................................................111
 ............................................................. 112
 .................................................................112
 ........................................................................................114
 ......................................................................115
6-2-4 Using the Sound Recorder ...................................................................................117
6-2-5 Creative Software Suite........................................................................................118
6-3 Troubleshooting............................................................................................ 121
6-3-1 Frequently Asked Questions ................................................................................121
6-3-2 Troubleshooting Procedure ..................................................................................122
6-4 Debug LED Codes ....................................................................................... 124
Regulatory Statements............................................................................................ 128
Contact Us .............................................................................................................. 131

- 6 -
Box Contents
5GA-Z97X-Gaming GT motherboard
5Motherboard driver disk
5User's Manual
5Quick Installation Guide
5Four SATA cables
5I/O Shield
5One 2-Way SLI bridge connector
5One 3-Way SLI bridge connector
5One 4-Way SLI bridge connector
5One 2-Way CrossFire bridge connector
Optional Items





The box contents above are for reference only and the actual items shall depend on the product package you
obtain. The box contents are subject to change without notice.

- 7 -
GA-Z97X-Gaming GT Motherboard Layout
 
CPU_FAN
ATX_12V_2X4
ATX
AUDIO
DDR3_2 DDR3_4 DDR3_3 DDR3_1
BAT
Intel®Z97
PCIEX16_1
LGA1150
GA-Z97X-Gaming GT
R_USB30
iTE®
Super I/O
SYS_FAN2
F_PANEL
USB30_LAN
PCIEX1_2
PCIEX8_1
PCIEX1_1
SYS_FAN1
CPU_OPT
SYS_FAN5
SYS_FAN4
SB
PCIEX16_2
PCIEX8_2
F_USB30
B_BIOS
BBIOS_LED
M_BIOS
F_USB2
BIOS_SW
SATA_EXPRESS
RST_SW
CMOS_SW
PW_SW
PLX®
PEX8747
MBIOS_LED
Marvell®
88SE9172
Debug LED 
Renesas®
uPD720210
Qualcomm®
Atheros Killer
E2201 LAN
PCIEX1_3
GAIN
ATX4P
CLR_CMOS
F_USB1F_USB3
SYS_FAN3
F_AUDIO
VGA
DVI
DP_HDMI_SPDIF
CODEC
7 6
GSATA3
COMA
SPDIF_O
KB_MS_USB
TI Burr Brown
®
OPA2134
1 0
SATA3 3 2
5 4
SATA3

- 8 -
GA-Z97X-Gaming GT Motherboard Block Diagram

LGA1150
CPU

Dual BIOS

DMI 2.0
FDI
LPC Bus
PS/2 KB/Mouse
DVI
HDMI
DisplayPort
2 USB 3.0/2.0
8 USB 2.0/1.1
x1
LAN
RJ45
Qualcomm®
Atheros Killer
E2201 LAN
PCIe CLK

PCI Express Bus
1 PCI Express x16
PLX® PEX8747
x16
x16
Switch
1 PCI Express x16
x16 Switch
2 PCI Express x8
x16
PCI Express Bus
3 PCI Express x1
x1x1 x1
4 USB 3.0/2.0
4 SATA 6Gb/s
1 SATA Express
2 SATA 6Gb/s
or
Marvell®
88SE9172
x1
2 SATA 6Gb/s
or
2 PCI Express x8
or Dual Channel Memory
D-Sub
Center/Subwoofer
Speaker Out
Line Out
MIC
Line In
S/PDIF Out
Side Speaker Out
Rear Speaker Out
CODEC
Intel®Z97
PCIe CLK

COM
iTE®
Super I/O
Renesas®
uPD720210 Hub

- 9 -
Hardware Installation
1-1 Installation Precautions
The motherboard contains numerous delicate electronic circuits and components which can become

manual and follow these procedures:
•Prior to installation, make sure the chassis is suitable for the motherboard.
•
warranty sticker provided by your dealer. These stickers are required for warranty validation.
•Always remove the AC power by unplugging the power cord from the power outlet before
installing or removing the motherboard or other hardware components.
•When connecting hardware components to the internal connectors on the motherboard, make
sure they are connected tightly and securely.
•When handling the motherboard, avoid touching any metal leads or connectors.
•             
components such as a motherboard, CPU or memory. If you do not have an ESD wrist strap,

•Prior to installing the motherboard, please have it on top of an antistatic pad or within an
electrostatic shielding container.
•Before unplugging the power supply cable from the motherboard, make sure the power supply
has been turned off.
•Before turning on the power, make sure the power supply voltage has been set according to
the local voltage standard.
•Before using the product, please verify that all cables and power connectors of your hardware
components are connected.
•To prevent damage to the motherboard, do not allow screws to come in contact with the
motherboard circuit or its components.
•Make sure there are no leftover screws or metal components placed on the motherboard or
within the computer casing.
•Do not place the computer system on an uneven surface.
•Do not place the computer system in a high-temperature environment.
•Turning on the computer power during the installation process can lead to damage to system
components as well as physical harm to the user.
•If you are uncertain about any installation steps or have a problem related to the use of the

Chapter 1 Hardware Installation

- 10 -
Hardware Installation
 
CPU Support for Intel®Core™i7 processors/Intel®Core™i5 processors/
Intel®Core™i3 processors/Intel®Pentium®processors/Intel®Celeron®processors
in the LGA1150 package

L3 cache varies with CPU
Chipset Intel®Z97 Express Chipset
Memory 4 x DDR3 DIMM sockets supporting up to 32 GB of system memory
  

the physical memory installed.
Dual channel memory architecture

Support for non-ECC memory modules

 

Onboard
Graphics
Integrated Graphics Processor:
  
  
  
 

 
 

 
- Support for up to 3 displays at the same time
- Maximum shared memory of 1 GB
Audio Realtek®ALC1150 codec
TI Burr Brown®
Support for Sound Blaster X-Fi MB3

2/4/5.1/7.1-channel
Support for S/PDIF Out
LAN Qualcomm®
Expansion Slots 
  
sure to install it in the PCIEX16_1 slot; if you are installing two PCI Express graphics
cards, it is recommended that you install them in the PCIEX16_1 and PCIEX16_2
slots.

  
slot with PCIEX16_2. The PCIEX16_1/PCIEX16_2 slot will operate at up to x8 mode
when the PCIEX8_1/PCIEX8_2 is populated.
 
3 x PCI Express x1 slots
 

- 11 -
Hardware Installation
Multi-Graphics
Technology Support for 4-Way/3-Way/2-Way AMD CrossFire™/NVIDIA®SLI™technology
Storage Interface Chipset:
- 1 x SATA Express connector
  
- Support for RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 10
  
Marvell®88SE9172 chip:
  
- Support for RAID 0 and RAID 1
USB Chipset:
  

  

Chipset + Renesas®uPD720210 USB 3.0 Hub:
- 4 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports on the back panel
Internal
Connectors
1 x 24-pin ATX main power connector
1 x 8-pin ATX 12V power connector
1 x PCIe power connector
1 x SATA Express connector
8 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors
1 x CPU fan header

5 x system fan headers
1 x front panel header
1 x front panel audio header
1 x S/PDIF Out header
1 x USB 3.0/2.0 header
3 x USB 2.0/1.1 headers
1 x serial port header
1 x Clear CMOS jumper
1 x power button
1 x reset button
1 x Clear CMOS button
1 x audio gain control switch
8 x onboard voltage measurement points
2 x BIOS switches
Back Panel
Connectors
1 x PS/2 keyboard/mouse port
1 x D-Sub port
1 x DVI-D port
1 x optical S/PDIF Out connector
1 x HDMI port
1 x DisplayPort
6 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports
2 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports

- 12 -
Hardware Installation
Back Panel
Connectors
1 x RJ-45 port


I/O Controller iTE®I/O Controller Chip
Hardware
Monitor
System voltage detection
CPU/System/Chipset temperature detection
CPU/CPU OPT/System fan speed detection
CPU/System overheating warning
CPU/CPU OPT/System fan fail warning
CPU/CPU OPT/System fan speed control
  
install.
BIOS 
Use of licensed AMI UEFI BIOS
Support for DualBIOS™
PnP 1.0a, DMI 2.7, WfM 2.0, SM BIOS 2.7, ACPI 5.0
Unique Features Support for APP Center
 
functions of each application may also differ depending on motherboard

- @BIOS
- EasyTune
- EZ Setup
- Fast Boot
- Game Controller
- ON/OFF Charge
- Smart TimeLock
- Smart Recovery 2
- System Information Viewer
- USB Blocker
Support for Q-Flash
Support for Smart Switch
Support for Xpress Install
Bundled
Software
Norton®
Intel®Rapid Start Technology
Intel®Smart Connect Technology
Intel®Smart Response Technology
Operating
System Support for Windows 8.1/8/7
Form Factor ATX Form Factor; 30.5cm x 24.4cm
 
prior notice.
 Support & Downloads\Utility
for the software listed in the "Unique Features" and "Bundled Software" columns.

- 13 -
Hardware Installation
1-3 Installing the CPU and CPU Cooler
Read the following guidelines before you begin to install the CPU:
•Make sure that the motherboard supports the CPU.

•Always turn off the computer and unplug the power cord from the power outlet before installing the
CPU to prevent hardware damage.
•

•Apply an even and thin layer of thermal grease on the surface of the CPU.
•Do not turn on the computer if the CPU cooler is not installed, otherwise overheating and damage
of the CPU may occur.
•

standard requirements for the peripherals. If you wish to set the frequency beyond the standard

card, memory, hard drive, etc.
1-3-1 Installing the CPU
A. Locate the alignment keys on the motherboard CPU socket and the notches on the CPU.
Notch
Alignment
Key
Alignment
Key
Notch
LGA1150 CPU
LGA1150 CPU Socket
Pin One Corner of the CPU Socket
Triangle Pin One Marking on the CPU

- 14 -
Hardware Installation
B. Follow the steps below to correctly install the CPU into the motherboard CPU socket.
Step 1:
Gently press the CPU socket lever handle down

completely lift the CPU socket lever and the metal
load plate/plastic cover will be lifted as well.
Step 2:




and gently insert the CPU into position.
Step 4:
Finally, secure the lever under its retention tab to
complete the installation of the CPU.
NOTE:
Hold the CPU socket lever by the handle, not the lever base portion.
•Before installing the CPU, make sure to turn off the computer and unplug the power cord from
the power outlet to prevent damage to the CPU.
•To protect the socket contacts, do not remove the protective plastic cover unless the CPU is
inserted into the CPU socket. Save the cover properly and replace it if the CPU is removed.
Step 3:
Once the CPU is properly inserted, carefully
replace the load plate. When replacing the load
plate, make sure the front end of the load plate
is under the shoulder screw. Then press the CPU
socket lever. The protective plastic cover may
pop off from the load plate during the process of

cover properly and always replace it when the


- 15 -
Hardware Installation
1-3-2 Installing the CPU Cooler

Intel®
Use extreme care when removing the CPU cooler because the thermal grease/tape between the CPU
cooler and CPU may adhere to the CPU. Inadequately removing the CPU cooler may damage the CPU.
Step 5:
After the installation, check the back of the
motherboard. If the push pin is inserted as the
picture above shows, the installation is complete.
Step 6:
Finally, attach the power connector of the CPU

motherboard.
Step 1:
Apply an even and thin layer of thermal grease on
the surface of the installed CPU.
Step 2:
Before installing the cooler, note the direction of the
arrow sign 
push pin along the direction of arrow is to remove

Step 3:
Place the cooler atop the CPU, aligning the
four push pins through the pin holes on the
motherboard. Push down on the push pins
diagonally.
Step 4:
You should hear a "click" when pushing down each
push pin. Check that the Male and Female push
pins are joined closely.


Male
Push Pin
Female
Push Pin
The Top
of Female
Push Pin
Direction of
the Arrow Sign
on the Male
Push Pin

- 16 -
Hardware Installation
1-4 Installing the Memory
Read the following guidelines before you begin to install the memory:
•Make sure that the motherboard supports the memory. It is recommended that memory of the same
capacity, brand, speed, and chips be used.

•Always turn off the computer and unplug the power cord from the power outlet before installing the
memory to prevent hardware damage.
•Memory modules have a foolproof design. A memory module can be installed in only one direction.
If you are unable to insert the memory, switch the direction.
 
This motherboard provides four DDR3 memory sockets and supports Dual Channel Technology. After the

Dual Channel memory mode will double the original memory bandwidth.
The four DDR3 memory sockets are divided into two channels and each channel has two memory sockets as
following:
Channel A: DDR3_2, DDR3_4
Channel B: DDR3_1, DDR3_3

DDR3_4 DDR3_2 DDR3_3 DDR3_1
Two Modules - - DS/SS - - DS/SS
DS/SS - - DS/SS - -
Four Modules DS/SS DS/SS DS/SS DS/SS

Due to CPU limitations, read the following guidelines before installing the memory in Dual Channel mode.
1. Dual Channel mode cannot be enabled if only one DDR3 memory module is installed.
2. When enabling Dual Channel mode with two or four memory modules, it is recommended that memory
of the same capacity, brand, speed, and chips be used and installed in the same colored DDR3
sockets. For optimum performance, when enabling Dual Channel mode with two memory modules,
we recommend that you install them in the DDR3_1 and DDR3_2 sockets.
DDR3_1 DDR3_2 DDR3_3 DDR3_4

- 17 -
Hardware Installation
1-4-2 Installing a Memory
Before installing a memory module, make sure to turn off the computer and unplug the power
cord from the power outlet to prevent damage to the memory module. DDR3 and DDR2 DIMMs
are not compatible to each other or DDR DIMMs. Be sure to install DDR3 DIMMs on this
motherboard.
Notch
DDR3 DIMM

your memory modules in the memory sockets.
Step 1:
Note the orientation of the memory module. Spread the retaining clip
at the right end of the memory socket. Place the memory module on

on the top edge of the memory, push down on the memory and insert
it vertically into the memory socket.
Step 2:
The clip at the right end of the socket will snap into place when the
memory module is securely inserted.

- 18 -
Hardware Installation
1-5 Installing an Expansion Card
Read the following guidelines before you begin to install an expansion card:
•Make sure the motherboard supports the expansion card. Carefully read the manual that came
with your expansion card.
•Always turn off the computer and unplug the power cord from the power outlet before installing an
expansion card to prevent hardware damage.
Follow the steps below to correctly install your expansion card in the expansion slot.
1. Locate an expansion slot that supports your card. Remove the metal slot cover from the chassis back panel.
2. Align the card with the slot, and press down on the card until it is fully seated in the slot.
3. Make sure the metal contacts on the card are completely inserted into the slot.
4. Secure the card's metal bracket to the chassis back panel with a screw.
5. 
6. Turn on your computer. If necessary, go to BIOS Setup to make any required BIOS changes for your

7. Install the driver provided with the expansion card in your operating system.
Example: Installing and Removing a PCI Express Graphics Card:
PCI Express x1 Slot
PCI Express x16 Slot
•Installing a Graphics Card:
Gently push down on the top edge of the card until
it is fully inserted into the PCI Express slot. Make
sure the card is securely seated in the slot and
does not rock.
•Removing the Card:
Gently push back on the lever on the slot and then lift the card straight out from
the slot.

- 19 -
Hardware Installation
 Procedure and driver screen for enabling CrossFire/SLI technology may differ by graphics cards and driver version.
Refer to the manual that came with your graphics cards for more information about enabling CrossFire/SLI technology.
 When two or more graphics cards are installed, we recommend that you connect the SATA power cable from the
power supply to the ATX4P connector to ensure system stability.
1-6 Setting up AMD CrossFire™/NVIDIA®SLI™
 

C-1. To Enable CrossFire Function
After installing the graphics card driver in the operating system, go
to the AMD Catalyst Control Center. Browse to Performance\
AMD CrossFireX™ and ensure the Enable AMD
CrossFireX check box is selected. If your system have more than
two CrossFire cards, select the GPU combination you want to use
and click Apply

A. System Requirements
-Windows 8.1/8/7 operating system
-A CrossFire/SLI-supported motherboard with two or more PCI Express x16 slots and correct driver
-CrossFire/SLI-ready graphics cards of identical brand and chip and correct driver
 ™HD 3800, HD
4800, HD 5800 series, and AMDRadeon™HD 6800, HD 6900, HD 7800, and HD 7900 series. Current
GPUs that support 3-Way/4-Way SLI™technology include the NVIDIA 8800 GTX, 8800 Ultra, 9800 GTX,

latest GPU support information, please refer to the AMD/NVIDIA®
-CrossFire /SLI bridge connectors
-

B. Connecting the Graphics Cards
Step 1:
Observe the steps in "1-5 Installing an Expansion Card" and install CrossFire/SLI graphics cards on the PCI
        

Step 2:
Insert the CrossFire/SLI bridge connectors in the CrossFire/SLI gold edge connectors on top of the cards.
Step 3:
Plug the display cable into the graphics card on the PCIEX16_1 slot.
C-2. To Enable SLI Function
After installing the graphics card driver in the operating system, go to
the NVIDIA Control Panel. Browse to the 
PhysX screen and ensure Maximize 3D performance is enabled.

- 20 -
Hardware Installation
1-7 Back Panel Connectors
USB 2.0/1.1 Port


PS/2 Keyboard/Mouse Port
Use this port to connect a PS/2 mouse or keyboard.
D-Sub Port
The D-Sub port supports a 15-pin D-Sub connector and supports a maximum resolution of 1920x1200

D-Sub connection to this port.
DVI-D Port (Note)


supports DVI-D connection to this port.
Optical S/PDIF Out Connector
This connector provides digital audio out to an external audio system that supports digital optical audio.
Before using this feature, ensure that your audio system provides an optical digital audio in connector.
HDMI Port
The HDMI port is HDCP compliant and supports Dolby True HD and DTS HD

output. You can use this port to connect your HDMI-supported monitor. The maximum supported resolution
is , but the actual resolutions supported are dependent on the
monitor being used.


In Windows 8.1, select Apps>Control Panel>Hardware

to the default playback device.
 